I have started trying to teach some drawing techniques to my kids, giving them a few formal elements to focus on, while still allowing them freedom at other times to draw as they like. It has been interesting to realize how early perfection can embed itself in one’s life. And how strongly it can.
The lessons have been popular and the kids are focusing on the details they need to learn. The real tricky balance is when they have their free time to draw and color.
While always encouraging, I often find that kids know–within themselves–if something is good or bad. They are looking for reassurance, especially to battle the “I can’t” mentality. But balancing their inner disappointment and desire for perfection can often be a daunting task, as can be balancing their lack of desire for perfection.
Sometimes it takes just the suggestion of applying a creative solution–modifying an idea or suggesting the use of something alternative that takes them in another, more satisfying direction. Mind you, I don’t tell them what to do, I suggest there might be another way to look at their project. The action of modifying the piece might better suit their perfectionist needs or tendencies.
As adults, do we do this ourselves? Do we take a good look at our work and think of how we might modify it to better suit what we are trying to accomplish? If not, why not?
Sometimes the search for perfectionism, the consideration of a modification, might just be what brings a piece to an inner completion–whether it is perfect or not.
That’s something I can do. And so can you.

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